Saint Athanasius

Saint Athanasius is also known as Athanasius of Alexandria. He lived during a time when many people in the Church were confused. Some people were teaching false things about Jesus. Athanasius stood up for the truth. He said that Jesus is truly the Son of God.

He became well known for defending what the Church teaches about Jesus. This was during the 4th century. It was a hard time for the Church. Many leaders were fighting about who Jesus really was. Some said He was not fully God.

Athanasius helped the Church stay strong during this time. He was only a young man when he started to speak up. He took a lot of risks. Many people did not like what he said. But he kept going because he believed in the truth.

The Church remembers him as a great teacher and leader. He is one of the Doctors of the Church. This means his writings helped explain the faith clearly. His feast day is May 2.

Athanasius was born around the year 296. He lived in the city of Alexandria. This city is in Egypt. It was an important city with many people, ideas, and religions.

He grew up near the Church. Some stories say he used to play Church games as a boy. He would pretend to baptize other children. The bishop saw this and thought he had a special calling.

Athanasius received a good education. He learned about Scripture and Church teaching. He studied under a man named Alexander. Alexander was the bishop of Alexandria. He became a teacher to Athanasius.

Athanasius became a deacon. He started helping in the Church. He also began writing and teaching. Even when he was young, people could see he was very serious about the truth. He wanted to follow Jesus and defend what the Church believed.

During Athanasius’ time, a man named Arius started teaching something false. Arius said that Jesus was created by God and was not truly equal to God. Many people believed him. This caused a big problem in the Church.

To fix this, Church leaders met at the Council of Nicaea in 325. Athanasius went to this meeting. He was still young, but he spoke clearly. He said that Jesus was not made by God. He said Jesus is the Son of God and has always been with the Father.

The council agreed with Athanasius. They wrote the Nicene Creed. This Creed says that Jesus is “begotten, not made” and is “one in being with the Father.” This was a very important moment in Church history.

But even after the council, many people did not accept this. They still followed Arius. Athanasius had to keep defending the truth. This brought him many enemies. Some of them had power in the government. They forced him to leave the city many times.

Athanasius became the bishop of Alexandria in 328. He was still young, only about 30 years old. He now had more responsibility. He worked hard to lead his people and teach the truth.

Because of his strong words against Arianism, the emperor and other leaders did not like him. He was sent into exile five times. Some of these exiles lasted many years. He had to hide and move from place to place.

Even while he was away, he kept writing letters to his people. He encouraged them to stay faithful. He also wrote books about Jesus and the Christian faith. These writings helped many people understand what the Church teaches.

Each time he was allowed to come back, he continued his work. He never gave up. He believed that standing for the truth was more important than being safe or popular. His courage helped the Church stay on the right path.

Athanasius wrote many things during his life. One of his most famous works is called On the Incarnation. In this book, he explains why Jesus came into the world. He says Jesus became man so that we could be made like Him.

He also wrote letters and other books. He talked about the Trinity, which is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He explained how Jesus and the Father are not separate or unequal. They are always together.

His writings helped people see the truth clearly. He did not try to sound fancy or clever. He wanted everyone to understand who Jesus is and what He did for us. That is why his words are still read today.

Later Church teachers like Saint Augustine were helped by his writings. Even today, people learn from him. His work helped shape how the Church talks about Jesus and the faith.

Saint Athanasius died in 373. He had served the Church for many years. He had suffered many times, but he never gave up. The Church later named him a Doctor of the Church. This means his teachings helped the Church grow in truth.

His feast day is May 2. On this day, the Church remembers his life and work. He is honored for his strong faith and courage. He is a good example for anyone who wants to stand up for what is true, even when it is hard.

Athanasius is the patron of theologians. He is also remembered by those who face opposition for their faith. Many people pray to him for strength and wisdom.

His life shows us that one person can make a big difference. He did not stay silent when others were confused. He spoke the truth, even when it cost him everything.

On the Incarnation

On the Incarnation is a short book by Saint Athanasius of Alexandria. He wrote it to explain who Jesus is and why He came to earth. Athanasius said Jesus came to help people live better and to show what God is like. He also wrote the book to answer wrong ideas taught by Arius, another church leader. The book is very old but still helps people understand Jesus today. This edition was translated by Sister Penelope Lawson, who studied old Christian texts. Her translation helps modern readers understand what Athanasius was trying to say in simple language.